August 26, 2019 (Jackson, Miss.) - Belhaven University is one of only two universities in Mississippi that earned the title 2019-2020 College of Distinction. This is the tenth consecutive year the University has taken top honors.
Belhaven was recognized for its continued dedication to quality higher education and shares this honor with other prestigious institutions such as Wheaton College, Belmont University, Wake Forest University, Rhodes College, and Tulane University.
Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing Dr. Kevin Russell, said, "This award recognizes the strengths of our Belhaven faculty as they create an eagerness to learn which ultimately translates into an engaged community of scholars. We are excited to see our legacy continue with this national award.”
Four distinctions determine if an institution is recognized as a College of Distinction. The four requirements include engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community, and successful outcomes. Each institution's freshman experience is reviewed as well as its general education program, strategic plan, alumni success, and satisfaction measures.
“This award measures the quality of the education that shapes a student, and we are proud to be included among a group of schools, teaching for character,” said Dr. Roger Parrot, president of Belhaven University.
Belhaven has created a unique learning environment where students not only earn college credit and valuable life experience, but also participate in character-building seminars, service learning programs, diversity and global learning programs, interdisciplinary programs, collaborative assignments and projects, undergraduate research projects, living-learning communities, common intellectual experiences capstone projects, study abroad programs and internships.
“We are absolutely thrilled to recognize Belhaven University as a College of Distinction for its effective dedication to student success,” said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer for Colleges of Distinction. “Belhaven stands out in the way it strives to help its students to learn, grow, and succeed. We are impressed with the University's curriculum, which is enriched with the kind of high-impact educational practices that are most crucial for student development. Such innovative engagement is preparing the next generation of young adults to thrive after college.”